EML 103 e series

[prashanth]

Hi ,

We have EML 103 e series with ultrium drive 3. Now we are planning to upgrade the tape library. I have few queris on it

1) Can I use the existing tape library for ultrium 4 or ultrium 5 drive. 

2) Is it possible to use the existing tapes in ultrium 4 or ultrium 5 for read and write purpose.

3) can I use the mix tape drives in existing tape library like ultrium 3 with ultrium 4 or ultrium 5.

4) Any hardware changes requires in existing tape library like some contoller change etc.

Thanks !!!

[Torsten.]

You can mix different drive generations by creating library partitions or if you have a backup application that supports mixed drives.

Maybe you need additional hardware like a network switch for the library internal network.

[Torsten.]

From

HP Interface Manager and Command View
for Tape Libraries
Version 3.0 User Guide :


Adding an LTO4 or LTO5 tape drive to a library

Tape libraries with LTO4 and LTO5 tape drives use a different library architecture than tape libraries
that only contain LTO2 and LTO3 tape drives. Adding the first LTO4 or LTO5 tape drive to a library
requires additional steps, such as installing the internal network switch and inserting LTO4 or LTO5
media. In addition, the library firmware must be updated to support LTO4 and LTO5 tape drives,
and LTO2 and LTO3 tape drives must be updated to the most recent firmware to avoid problems
if an LTO4 or LTO5 tape cartridge is accidentally loaded into an LTO2 or LTO3 tape drive.

See the poster included with the tape drive for detailed drive installation instructions.

[prashanth]

Thanks for reply. What I understood is that its not a straight forward method like remove the ultrium 3 drive and insert the ultrium 4 or 5 drive.

[Torsten. · Accepted solution]

Correct.

The older drives are FC connected to the interface controller, the newer drives are directly FC connected to your SAN switch and need an additional ethernet connection to the interface manager. For this reason you need an extra ethernet switch for the library internal network.